‘I was just a freelance hero doing his best in a hard world.’

The spirit of adventure calls Falco on a new spying mission for the Emperor Vespasian to the untamed East.

This gripping and pacy historical mystery is perfect for fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor and C. J. Sansom. With its wry humour, expert characterisation, vivid descriptions and incredible sense of adventure, you'll be hooked from page one...

'Several cheers for Lindsey Davis... Great fun' - The Times
'The whole thing is splendid. It has everything: mystery, pace, wit, fascinating scholarship ... she brings Imperial Rome to life' - Ellis Peters
'Another excellent Falco book that is difficult to put down' - ***** Reader review
'Astounding' - ***** Reader review
'A fabulous read' - ***** Reader review
'Full marks and happily recommended' - ***** Reader review

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DROWNING IN MYSTERY, DYING ON STAGE

The spirit of adventure calls Marcus Didius Falco on a new spying mission for the Emperor Vespasian to the untamed East. He's picking up extra fees from his old friend Thalia, the snake dancer, as he searches for Sophrona, her lost water organist. With the Chief Spy Anacrites paying his fare, Falco knows anything can go wrong.

A dangerous brush with the Brother, the sinister ruler of Nabataean Petra, sends Falco and his girlfriend Helena on a fast camel-ride to Syria. They join a traveling theatre group, which keeps losing members in non-accidental drownings.

The bad acting and poor audiences are almost as bad as the desert and its scorpions - then as the killer hovers, Falco tries to write a play...